The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has commended the Dangote Refinery for what it described as its critical role in ensuring a fuel crisis-free Yuletide across Nigeria.
In a press statement issued on Friday, January 9, 2026, and signed by its Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the human rights group said Nigerians enjoyed unprecedented relief during the 2025 Christmas and New Year period due to the steady availability of petroleum products.
According to MURIC, the absence of fuel scarcity enabled smooth travel nationwide, with fuel stations operating seamlessly throughout the festive season. The group noted that this development contrasted sharply with past experiences marked by long queues, black market purchases, fuel hoarding, cancelled trips, and soaring transport fares and food prices.
Reflecting on previous hardships associated with fuel scarcity, Professor Akintola said Nigerians had endured dangerous and stressful situations, including sleeping at filling stations and storing fuel in unsafe conditions. He described the recent festive period as a welcome departure from those challenges.
MURIC attributed the improvement largely to the operations of the Dangote Refinery, stating that the difference was “clear and unmistakable.” The organisation, however, urged the government to focus on sustainability by protecting the refinery and creating an enabling business environment to ensure continuity.
“Beyond pouring encomiums on the refinery and the brain behind it, government should give the refinery enduring oxygen in terms of protection and supportive policies,” the statement said.
The group concluded by expressing hope that Nigeria would never return to the era of fuel scarcity during festive periods and beyond.
